New Delhi: The Indian government is preparing a significant overhaul to strengthen the security and privacy of Aadhaar cards. As per the proposed changes, Aadhaar cards will soon display only the cardholder’s photograph and a secure QR code, removing details such as name, address, and the Aadhaar number from the physical card.

Why is UIDAI planning this change?

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is considering this update to reduce the risk of identity theft and to stop organisations from conducting offline Aadhaar verification, which often leads to unauthorised collection of personal data.

At a recent Aadhaar conference, UIDAI CEO Bhavesh Kumar said the authority intends to roll out the new format by December 2025. He stressed that limiting information on the card is essential for boosting privacy and preventing misuse.

Kumar noted, “We are questioning the need for any other details on the card. If we print more information, misuse is more likely.”

Aadhaar Act compliance and privacy concerns

The move aligns with the Aadhaar Act, which prohibits collecting or storing Aadhaar numbers or biometrics for offline verification. However, many hotels, event organisers, and private institutions continue to photocopy Aadhaar cards, leading to privacy risks and increasing the possibility of fraud.

The new design aims to ensure complete confidentiality of Aadhaar data, limit access to personal details, and put an end to offline Aadhaar-based verification practices.

UIDAI to launch new Aadhaar app

In addition to redesigning the physical Aadhaar card, the government is also preparing to launch a new Aadhaar mobile app that will streamline authentication and ensure full compliance with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which will be fully enforced within the next 18 months.

What will the new Aadhaar app offer?

According to UIDAI officials, the upcoming app will come with several improved features aimed at strengthening security and improving user convenience:

  • Update address proof documents directly through the app.
  • Add family members who do not have a mobile phone, enabling them to use Aadhaar-linked services.
  • Update mobile numbers of family members using the app’s face authentication technology.

UIDAI CEO Bhavesh Kumar confirmed that the new platform will eventually replace the existing mAadhaar app, making the verification process faster and more reliable for both users and institutions.

How will the app improve Aadhaar verification?

Officials said the app will function similarly to the DigiYatra system, which enables seamless identity verification at airports. The new Aadhaar app will support quick, secure authentication for multiple everyday scenarios, including:

  • Entry at events and cinema halls
  • Purchasing age-restricted products (18+)
  • Student verification procedures
  • Hotel check-ins
  • Gaining access to residential societies
  • Other services requiring simple and fast identity confirmation

The goal is to reduce dependency on physical documents and enable fully digital, privacy-protected verification that complies with the Aadhaar Act and the DPDP Act.